Getting pulled over is never a highlight of anyone’s day.
Whether it’s a busted tail light or speeding, most traffic stops follow the same routine: hand over your license, answer a few questions, and maybe leave with a warning or ticket. But there’s one subtle action you may have noticed if you’ve ever watched a traffic stop video—an officer lightly touching the back of the car before approaching the driver.
It’s such a small move that it’s easy to miss. But why do they do it?
According to traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero, this seemingly insignificant action serves two very important purposes—one for safety and another for accountability.
Trooper Montiero, responding to a viewer’s question during a News 6 segment, explained, “When law enforcement officers conduct a traffic stop, there are plenty of procedures to ensure both their safety and the motorist’s safety.”
The first reason is practical: making sure the trunk is closed.
“It may sound a little crazy, but you want to ensure no one is about to jump out of the trunk,” Trooper Montiero shared.
The second reason, though, carries deeper—and more chilling—implications.
“Touching the rear of the vehicle leaves the officer’s fingerprints on the car,” he explained. “This ties the officer to the vehicle in case the driver flees or, in the worst-case scenario, something happens to the officer.”
This simple touch acts as both a precaution and a safety net, adding a layer of evidence to what might otherwise be a routine traffic stop.
So, next time you see a cop tap the back of a car, you’ll know it’s more than just a habit. It’s a small act that can make a big difference in ensuring safety and accountability during those high-pressure moments on the road.
What do you think about this behind-the-scenes insight into traffic stops? Share your thoughts with friends—someone else might find it just as fascinating!
